Issue 32 Web Edition
Winter 08/09
Angela Sansam
I joined the U3A about 2 years ago. I had given up my work at Harrogate College as a lecturer in social care & counselling skills in order to look after my mother and aunt, later on, my grandson. When my family duties diminished a friend suggested I join the U3A. I'd heard about it in a radio programme and thought it sounded like a good idea.
On mentioning that I was interested in Family History, I was put in touch with others who were interested and we started a group. We intended it as a short term group to help others get going and the group ended last Summer. It has now altered its emphasis and is about Writing Family History; we have started with ourselves. A small but enthusiastic group is meeting monthly on the first Wednesday afternoon each month and members have produced and shared some interesting memoirs of their early lives.
I belong to several other groups, all of which I enjoy a great deal: German, Art
History, Creative Writing, Gardening, French for Fun and Theatre. I wish I had time
for more! Truly, we are fortunate in having such a lively and interesting branch.
Although not the world's best organiser, I decided to offer my services to the committee
to help run the groups. We're all volunteers and if nobody offers then things will
not get done, however imperfectly -
Tricia Ward
I am a Derbyshire lass, having been brought up in a sleepy village, called Kings Newton, in close proximity to the East Midlands Airport.
I served for 15 years in the Derbyshire Police Force, at a time where the only accoutrements I carried were a whistle and a handbag: I did not have a radio.
In 1969 I married and moved to Harrogate, and my husband and I ran a detective agency.
At the Baptist Church I was persuaded to run a Brownie Pack and then moved to the Guide Company. I have served in every "rank" in Guiding and am now a member of the Trefoil Guild.
Seven years ago, my husband died very suddenly, in the midst of our last house move. Five days later, with the help of my three sons, I had to carry out the planned move.
I became a member of the U3A in 2007. I enjoy "looking at Churches" and have joined the Naturalists and Scrabble groups.
Having attended two Committee Meetings I am learning more of the aims and objects of the U3A. I admire the good work and organisation of the Group Leaders. Due to Janet's foresight, whoever steps into her shoes will have a good team to support him or her.
Carolyn Watson
When I moved to Harrogate seven years ago I did not know anyone. So I joined the U3A on the advice of a friend. Since then I have found myself very involved as a group leader and on the committee. My previous experiences of life have been in catering, then latterly, a court usher in Leeds and Bradford Magistrates. I have two daughters and two stepsons and seven grandchildren. My hobby some time ago was sailing across the North Sea to Holland with my parents and generally messing about in boats. Now I enjoy travelling, photography, cycling, wine and eating out.
UK HISTORY 1945-
A new course of six, two hour sessions dealing with modern UK history is to be launched in the autumn of 2009.
The aim is to revive our understanding of the recent past through which we have lived and acted.
Social and cultural issues will be set against political change and development.
The
colour and texture of the times will be recalled by substantial use of visual material,
which it is hoped will stimulate our recollections and discussions.
SESSION 1 UK
AND THE WORLD IN 1945
SESSION 2 THE AUSTERITY YEARS 1945-
SESSION 3 THE YEARS OF
RECOVERY 1951-
SESSION 4 OFFICE BUT NOT POWER 1964-
SESSION 5 THE SLAYING OF
DRAGONS
SESSION 6 THE GREY YEARS 1990-
Contact David Davies for more details by email at:
Further information will be included in June issue of Stray News